How Has Christianity Changed the World and Shaped Culture? 

Discover how Christianity changed the world, shaped history, inspired social change, and impacted ethics, science, art, and human rights. Explore its ongoing relevance today.

Christianity is not just a religion; it’s a movement, one that has had a profound impact on the shape of human history and culture. When we look at how Christianity changed the world, we look at it’s impact on ethics, art, education, and social norms, from its early time in the Roman Empire to the present day as a faith spread across the world, but what shaped this faith that it endured so profoundly? 

Christianity is about Jesus Christ and his teachings on love, humility, forgiveness, and justice. These groundbreaking ideas established the groundwork for a multitude of positive transformations over time. Let’s see the difference Christianity has made in culture and the world at large. 

DIVINE REVOLUTION : HOW CHRISTIANITY CHANGED THE WORLD

The way Jesus taught the world to value completely turned the system upside down. He taught that love of God and neighbour comprised the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39) and made caring for the poor, forgiving enemies, and treating other people with dignity hallmarks of his teachings. This message of humility and servant leadership was a direct challenge to the power structures of His time, and it continues to inspire men and women to influence the world for good.

An emphasis on love and service in Christianity has changed the world through inspired countless acts of kindness throughout history, including feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. How these teachings have reverberated through the ages, inspiring philanthropic and social-justice movements, acts of charity and monumental sacrifices of life in service to others.

THE BIBLE: CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE ON CULTURE AND SOCIETY

The moral vision of the Bible has shaped the legal systems of the modern world. From the Ten Commandments to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, principles from the Bible have formed the basis of laws that defend human rights and pursue justice.

Think of the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). This simple but profound teaching supports much of Western ethics. Absent the Bible’s influence, our sense of fairness, equality and justice would be designed very differently.

This is the fifth in a series of 7 posts about helping our congregations through the pandemic and beyond.

Christianity turned the notion of charity on its head and made it central to faith. Jesus’ teachings — caring for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) — drove the creation of hospitals, orphanages, and relief organizations.

For centuries, Christians ministered to the sick during plagues, often putting their own lives in danger. This spirit of altruistic caring created the foundation for the modern health care system. Even still, world-renowned organizations such as World Vision, The Salvation Army and Samaritans Purse carry this torch today; evidence that Christian virtues still inspire an outpouring of love and mercy.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUALITY: CHRISTIANITY’S GLOBAL IMPACT

Even predating the secular understanding of human rights, the Bible declared the inherent value of every person. Galatians 3:28 says:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This was a revolutionary doctrine, one that would root the essence of the movement for equality and freedom. Christian leaders such as William Wilberforce fought tirelessly to end slavery, and many civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., were deeply influenced by their faith. 

HOW FAITH INSPIRED THE RENAISSANCE

Christianity’s impact on art and culture is undeniable. Artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci produced works in homage to their faith during the Renaissance. The Sistine Chapel portraying biblical scenes and The Last Supper showing Jesus with His disciples have become essential representations of Christian art.

These weren’t mere celebrations of beauty; they told the story of God’s love and redemption. From art derived from Christianity’s influence, we still have Christians today using their skills to bring glory to God and in turn inspire others.

SCIENCE, BELIEF, AND THEIR INTERSECTION

Though many believe that faith and science are in opposition to one another, many of the greatest scientific minds in history were Christians. Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws of motion and gravity, viewed his work as a means of understanding God’s creation.

Never mind that, rather than hampering progress, Christianity promoted exploration and discovery by teaching that God’s order and creativity are reflected in his universe. The word of God says further in Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

THE FIRST UNIVERSITIES: SPREADING EDUCATION

Did you know that many of the world’s first universities, including Oxford and Harvard, were established by Christians? Their mission was to pursue knowledge for the glory of God and to train leaders who would serve society. Proverbs 22:6 says:

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

For those now in the ranks of Christian schools and universities, the integration of character formation with academic excellence remains priority one.

ABOLISHING SLAVERY: A CHRISTIAN MISSION

One of the most important contributions of Christianity to history is the abolition of slavery. Through their faith, leaders such as William Wilberforce, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Frederick Douglass worked tirelessly to abolish this inhumane practice.

Inspired by the Gospel’s message of freedom — spiritual and physical — these men and women fought for justice. Their efforts serve as a reminder of faith’s power to create lasting change in society.

CHRISTIANITY’S ROLE IN GLOBAL PEACE BUILDING

Christianity has been an important force in peace-making and reconciliation. From missionaries mediating tribal disputes to Christian peacemakers promoting nonviolence, the faith’s impact is striking.

The call of Jesus to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) still resonates, leading believers to seek wholeness and reconciliation in and across borders, communities, and churches.

WHY CHRISTIANITY’S IMPACT ENDURES TODAY

How has Christianity’s impact not the world had such staying power? It is the everlasting reality of God’s Word. Biblical principles transcend the cultural context in which they were originally penned. As Hebrews 13:8 tells us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

In a world that sometimes seems upside-down, Christianity’s teachings are a guiding light. They urge us to love our neighbour, pursue justice, and glorify God in all that we do.

WAYS OF PUTTING CHRISTIANITY’S LEGACY INTO PRACTICE

How can we, as modern believers, continue Christianity’s legacy of transformation?

1 Serve Your Community: Volunteer at a local charity or support global missions.
2 Advocate for Justice: Use your voice to stand up for the oppressed and marginalized.
3 Celebrate Creativity: Use your talents to glorify God, whether through art, writing, or music.
4 Pursue Education: Equip yourself with knowledge to better serve God and others.
5 Live Out the Gospel: Let your life reflect Jesus’ love and truth in every interaction.

CONCLUSION: THE ENDURING INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY

Christianity changed the world in ways that few other movements can claim. Its influence is seen in laws, education, science, and countless acts of love and service. But beyond its historical impact, Christianity continues to transform lives today.

As followers of Christ, we are called to carry this legacy forward. By living out the Gospel, we can bring hope, healing, and purpose to a world in need. Truly, Christianity’s message is as powerful and relevant now as it was 2,000 years ago.